Ministry warning: Strict monitoring of Hajj operation

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has warned that it will take strict action against the Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) if they fail to provide the promised facilities to would-be pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. An official of the ministry told APP that the ministry would closely monitor the Hajj operation of each HGO. Upon receiving complaints, strict action will be taken against the guilty HGO including fine and blacklisting. He said each HGO must provide free meal to their client pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that this year 143,384 persons would perform the sacred religious rituals including half through private and half through government scheme.  He said the packages being offered to private Hujjaj are very high as compared to government scheme’s Rs 280,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2015.